I am a single mother who has gone through the divorce process in the UK and the author of Researching Reform. I also have a legal  background which gave me a slightly unusual insight into the divorce process and allowed me to see the system in all its glory (or lack of it).

My journey into family law and the court process started in 2005, when my family and I found ourselves inside the family courts as we went through our own divorce. Two years later, we resurfaced from the  system, dazed and drained both financially and emotionally. Despite having trained as a barrister, I still could not make sense of what was happening at the time and why.

It was during that time that I began to focus on the family courts’ structure and procedure, constantly looking to find some stability or inkling of what would happen next. That search for stability inside the system turned into an obsession and like every all-consuming passion, I set about trying to find life in our law.

The result was Researching Reform, or Divorce Manual as it was called back then in 2007. I decided to start a blog because the system had a profound effect on my family and caused us all unnecessary and wholly avoidable anxiety. So I write about the family justice system’s flaws and in seeking out and exposing those flaws, I also try to find solutions. And all the while the welfare of the child is central to everything Researching Reform does.

 When I’m not making mischief as an editor, I’m a consultant for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Family Law and The Court of Protection, do pro bono work for both mothers and fathers, collaborate with charities and organisations and organise events on family law and the justice system.

I hope you find this site interesting and that it opens up debate on issues that matter and ultimately, offers positive, pragmatic solutions to the current problems by bridging the gap between ground roots and government.

If you have a question and want to get in touch, or are interested in getting involved,  please e-mail me at Sobk13@gmail.com.

For a more complete profile, please visit LinkedIn,  Justia or JD Supra.